Nursing garment

ABSTRACT

A nursing garment has a rear portion and a front portion, the front portion including an inner layer having a first opening located proximal to the nipple of one of the wearer&#39;s breasts. An outer layer superimposed on the inner layer has a second opening, the first and second openings being alignable with each other to allow the nipple to be exposed. A first curtain member disposed between the inner and outer layers is accessible through the second opening and is moveable between a concealing position and a revealing position. When in the concealing position, the first curtain member shrouds the first opening and obstructs access thereto via the second opening. When in the revealing position, the first curtain member is drawn out of the way of the first and second openings, allowing communication between the first and second openings and permitting the nipple to be exposed for nursing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/881,422, filed Sep. 3, 2015, which is a National Phase filing of PCT/CA2011/01270, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/416,660, filed Nov. 23, 2010.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to nursing garments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nursing bras and garments are widely used by mothers to breastfeed their children without having to completely remove their upper body garment.

Various designs of such garments are available. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 7,076,809 to Rothman discloses an upper body garment comprising a body having a relatively large opening positioned over the wearer's breast and covered by a flap which is attached in a closed position to a strap of the nursing garment by a fastener. To breastfeed her child, the wearer unclasps the fastener and lowers the flap to reveal the opening through which her breast is accessible. Other designs feature a garment having a first under layer which covers the midriff of the wearer but does not cover the breasts and an over layer which extends down from the wearer's shoulders but does not extend past the wearer's midriff. To breastfeed her child, the mother lifts the over layer until a breast is exposed, making it accessible to the child.

Unfortunately, those garments may be unfashionable, bulky, complicated to operate, impractical, awkward to use with nursing bras or other clothing layers, unsuitable for business casual, semi-formal or formal attire or may require the exposition of a substantial part of the wearer's breast, which may not be desirable when breastfeeding in a public area or workplace, for instance. It would be beneficial to have a nursing garment which could be relatively easy to use without unduly exposing the wearer's breast, while still remaining fashionable and relatively flattering for the wearer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a nursing garment having a rear portion for placing against a wearer's back and a front portion joined to the rear portion. The front portion includes an inner layer positionable against the wearer's breasts. The inner layer has a first opening defined therein located proximal to the nipple of one of the wearer's breasts for providing access thereto. An outer layer is superimposed on the inner layer. The outer layer has a second opening defined therein. The first and second openings being alignable with each other to allow the nipple to be exposed. Also provided is a first curtain member disposed between the inner and outer layers of the front portion. The first curtain member is accessible through the second opening defined in the outer layer and is moveable between a concealing position and a revealing position. When in the concealing position, the first curtain member shrouds the first opening and obstructs access thereto via the second opening. When in the revealing position, the first curtain member is drawn out of the way of the first and second openings thereby allowing communication between the first and second openings and permitting the nipple to be exposed for nursing.

In another feature, the first curtain member has a plurality of edges. At least one of the plurality of edges is secured to one of the inner and outer layers and at least another one of the plurality of edges is loose. In an additional feature, the first curtain member has opposed first and second edges. The first edge is secured to the outer layer adjacent the second opening defined therein and the second edge is loose. In yet another feature, the first curtain member further has opposed third and fourth edges, which are adjacent the second edge and are secured to one of the inner layer and the outer layer.

In a further feature, the inner layer has a first breast receiving portion for receiving the one of the wearer's breasts and a second breast receiving portion for receiving the other one of the wearer's breasts. In one optional feature, the first opening is a first slit formed in the first breast receiving portion and the first slit has an orientation selected from the group consisting of: (a) a horizontal orientation; (b) a vertical horizontal orientation; and (c) a slanted orientation.

In another optional feature, the second opening is a second slit disposed above the first breast receiving portion. Alternatively, the second slit may be disposed below the first breast receiving portion, medial to the first breast receiving portion or lateral to the first breast receiving portion.

In yet another feature, the inner layer has an annular elastic band secured to the inner layer along a lower edge thereof to support the wearer's breast.

In one feature, the inner layer has an upper edge, a lower edge and an elongated piece of elastic material extending therebetween. The elongated piece of elastic material deforms the inner layer to divide the inner layer of the front portion between a left breast receiving portion and a right breast receiving portion. Each breast receiving portion is sized and shaped to receive a respective one of the wearer's left and right breasts.

In another feature, the inner layer has a third opening defined therein located proximal to the nipple of the other one of the wearer's breasts for providing access thereto. The outer layer has a fourth opening defined therein. The third and fourth openings are alignable with each other to allow the nipple of the other one of the wearer's breasts to be exposed. The front portion further includes a second curtain member disposed between the inner and outer layers of the front portion. The second curtain member is accessible through the fourth opening defined in the outer layer and is moveable between a concealing position and a revealing position. When in the concealing position, the second curtain member shrouds the third opening and obstructs access thereto via the fourth opening. When in the revealing position, the second curtain member is drawn out of the way of the third and fourth openings thereby allowing communication between the third and fourth openings and permitting the nipple of the other one of the wearer's breasts to be exposed for nursing.

In a further feature, the inner layer has a first breast receiving portion for receiving the one of the wearer's breasts and a second breast receiving portion for receiving the other one of the wearer's breasts. In one optional feature, the third opening is a first slit formed in the second breast receiving portion and the first slit has an orientation selected from the group consisting of: (a) a horizontal orientation; (b) a vertical horizontal orientation; and (c) a slanted orientation.

In another optional feature, the fourth opening is a second slit disposed above the second breast receiving portion. Alternatively, the second slit may be disposed below the second breast receiving portion, medial to the second breast receiving portion or lateral to the second breast receiving portion.

In still another feature, the nursing garment includes a pocket member for receiving a nursing pad. The pocket member is defined in the inner layer of the front portion, between the inner and outer layers, to allow the nursing pad to be held therebetween. Alternatively, the pocket member is defined in the inner layer of the front portion, between the inner layer and the wearer's breasts.

In yet another feature, the nursing garment is configured into an upper body garment selected from a group consisting of: (a) a tank top, (b) a camisole, (c) a dress, (d) a sweater, (e) a jacket, (f) a vest, (g) a coat, (h) a tunic, (i) a shirt, (j) a t-shirt, (k) a long-sleeved shirt, (l) a ¾ sleeve shirt, (m) a sleeveless shirt, (n) a sweatshirt, (o) a strapless shirt, (p) a brassiere, (q) a bodysuit, (r) a jumpsuit and (s) a swimsuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a nursing garment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, shown worn by a wearer (illustrated in dashed lines);

FIG. 2 is another front perspective view of the wearer and the nursing garment shown in FIG. 1, with the outer panel of the garment pulled away to better reveal the first curtain portion of the nursing garment;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the nursing garment shown in FIG. 1, with the rear inner and outer panels removed to reveal details of the front inner panel and in particular, the internal openings or slits formed therein;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of patterns of fabric for the different components making up the nursing garment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a front inner panel the nursing garment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of a rear inner panel of the nursing garment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a front outer panel of the nursing garment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of a rear outer panel of the nursing garment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of left and right curtain portions for the nursing garment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the front outer panel shown in FIG. 7, with the left and right curtain portions sewn thereto;

FIG. 11 is a rear elevation view of the front outer panel shown in FIG. 7, showing the front panel of the inner support portion sewn to the front outer panel, with the left and right curtain portions shown in dashed lines;

FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of the nursing garment shown in FIG. 1 taken along line “12-12”;

FIG. 13 is a partial, enlarged, front elevation view of the wearer and the nursing garment shown in FIG. 1, with the wearer's fingers engaged in the external lateral opening;

FIG. 14 is another partial, enlarged, front elevation view of the wearer and the nursing garment shown in FIG. 1, with the wearer's fingers enlarging the external lateral opening of the nursing garment to provide access to the right curtain portion;

FIG. 15 is another partial, enlarged, front elevation view of the wearer and the nursing garment shown in FIG. 1, with the wearer's fingers maintaining the external opening enlarged and simultaneously pulling back the curtain portion; and

FIG. 16 is another partial, enlarged, front elevation view of the wearer and the nursing garment shown in FIG. 1, with the wearer's fingers maintaining the external opening enlarged and the curtain portion pulled back and simultaneously enlarging the internal opening;

FIG. 17 is another partial, enlarged, front elevation view of the wearer and the nursing garment illustrating in FIG. 1, showing the wearer of the nursing garment nursing a child (illustrated in dashed lines).

FIG. 18 shows a front elevation view of a nursing garment, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, shown worn by a wearer (illustrated in dashed lines);

FIG. 19 shows a front perspective view of a nursing garment, in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention, shown worn by a wearer (illustrated in dashed lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the embodiments, references to the accompanying drawings are by way of illustration of an example by which the invention may be practiced. It will be understood that other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed.

In the following description, the terms “left” and “right” will be used in reference to a wearer of the nursing garment disclosed herein. The term “left” will therefore relate to elements positioned towards or on the left side of the wearer's body, while the term “right” will relate to elements positioned towards or on the right side of the wearer's body.

Furthermore, the term “medial” will be used in reference to a direction towards the center of the wearer's body, while the term “lateral” will be used in reference to a direction away from the center of the wearer's body and towards the left or right side of the wearer's body, when the wearer is wearing the garment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a nursing garment indicated generally with reference numeral 20 is shown being worn by a wearer 21. The nursing garment 20 is designed to allow the wearer 21 wearing the nursing garment 20 to breastfeed her child without having to expose a substantial portion of one or both of her breasts.

The nursing garment 20 includes an inner support portion or layer 22, which functions as an inner shelf bra to provide support for the wearer's breasts at a right side breast supporting portion 19a and a left side breast supporting portion 19b. An outer portion or layer 24 is disposed over the inner support portion 22 to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the nursing garment 20. The outer portion 24 may further cover additional parts of the wearer's body, such as the wearer's back and midriff. The inner support portion 22 is provided with a first internal opening or slit 26, located proximal to the nipple 29 of one of the wearer's breast 27 (the right breast being shown in FIG. 16) while the outer portion 24 is provided with a corresponding first external opening or slit 28, also located proximal to the same breast 27 of the wearer 21. The first internal and external openings 26, 28 are alignable with each other to allow the nipple to be exposed, as will become apparent below.

A first curtain portion or curtain member 30 is positioned between the first internal and external openings 26, 28. The first curtain portion 30 is made of flexible material and is moveable between a concealing position 33 (shown in FIG. 14) and a revealing position 35 (shown in FIG. 15). When in the revealing position, the first curtain member shrouds the first opening and obstructs access thereto via the second opening, and when in the revealing position, the first curtain member is drawn out of the way of the first and second openings. This allows communication between the internal and external openings 26, 28 and permits the nipple 29 to be exposed for nursing. It will be understood that the internal opening 26 need not necessarily be aligned with the nipple 29. The breast may be shifted to allow the nipple to be aligned with the internal opening 26. Once the breast 27 is exposed and thereby made accessible, the child 31 may latch onto the nipple 29 and nurse, as shown in FIG. 17. Alternatively, with the nipple 29 being made accessible, a milk extraction device such as a breast pump or the like may be operatively connected to the wearer's breast to express breast milk.

The left side of the inner support portion 22 is provided with an internal opening—second internal opening 32—similar to internal opening 26. Similarly, the outer portion 24 has an extended opening—second external opening 34—resembling first external opening 28. The second internal opening 32 is located proximal to the nipple of the wearer's other breast—the left breast in the illustrated embodiment. The second external opening 34 (shown in FIG. 4) is located proximal to the same breast. A second curtain portion or curtain 36 (also shown in FIG. 4) is further provided between the second internal opening 32 and the second external opening 34 and is also displaceable to allow communication between the second internal opening 32 and the second external opening 34, similarly to the first curtain portion 30. This configuration allows the wearer 21 to breastfeed her child using one breast or the other and thus advantageously allows the wearer to switch breast during a breastfeeding session or from one breastfeeding session to the next, which is desirable for proper breastfeeding.

Now referring to FIG. 4, there are shown patterns of fabric for the different components making up the nursing garment 20. Patterns are known in the art and widely used to trace and subsequently cut panels of fabric used to manufacture a garment. Here, the patterns represent different components of the nursing garment 20 which, when assembled, form the nursing garment 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 having a sleeveless configuration. In alternate embodiments where the nursing garment 20 is configured differently, different patterns sized and shaped accordingly may be employed. It will also be understood that the panels of fabric produced using the patterns may require adjustments to manufacture a nursing garment having a desired shape or configuration. For instance, the nursing garment 20 may be shaped to accommodate the wearer's breasts in a form fitting fashion, in which case the nursing garment will define cup portions sized and shaped to accommodate the wearer's breasts, as will become apparent below.

Preferably, the nursing garment 20 is manufactured from stretch fabric. Alternatively, the nursing garment 20 may be manufactured from one of a variety of fabrics such as cotton, acrylic, polyester, spandex, nylon, Modal™, Lyocell™, rayon, bamboo, silk, wool, microfiber or any combination of the foregoing.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the inner support portion 22 includes a front panel 38 which contacts at least a portion of the wearer's breasts and a rear panel 40 which contacts the wearer's back. Similarly, the outer portion 24 has a front panel 42 which is disposed over the front panel 38 of the inner support portion 22 and a rear panel 44 which is disposed over the rear panel 40 of the inner support portion 22. The curtain portions 30, 36 are sandwiched between the front panel 38 of the inner support portion 22 and the front panel 42 of the outer portion 24 and are secured to at least one of the inner support portion 22 and the outer portion 24, as will become apparent below.

With references to FIGS. 5 and 6, details of the inner support portion 22 shown in FIG. 4 will now be described. The front panel 38 of the inner support portion 22 includes an upper front edge 46, a lower, generally straight front edge 54 and front left and right side edges 60, 66. More specifically, the upper front edge 46 has generally straight left and right strap portions 48, 50 and a central edge portion 52 which extends between the left and right strap portions 48, 50 and curves inwardly to define the neckline of the inner support portion 22. The lower front edge 54 is disposed opposite the upper front edge 46 and extends between opposed left and right ends 56, 58. The front left side edge 60 extends between the left strap portion 48 of the upper front edge 46 and the left end 56 of the lower front edge 54, and has a first inwardly curved upper edge portion 64 partially defining a left arm opening and a gently curving second lower portion 62. Similarly, the front right side edge 66 extends between the right strap portion 50 and the right end 58 of the lower front edge 54 and also comprises inwardly curved upper and lower portions 68, 70.

An elongated piece of elastic material 72 further extends between the central edge portion 52 of the upper front edge 46 and the lower front edge 54, generally perpendicularly to the lower front edge 54. The elongated piece of elastic material 72 is sewn to the front panel 38, while maintained in a stretched configuration such that the piece of elastic material 72 tends to shrink back to its original length when released, thereby urging the central edge portion 52 of the upper front edge 46 towards the lower front edge 54 to provide a ruching effect to the garment 20. This deforms the fabric of the front panel 38 and divides the front panel 38 into two cup-shaped breast receiving portions: a left cup portion 74 between the elongated piece of elastic material 72 and the front left side edge 60 for receiving the wearer's left breast and a right cup portion 76 between the elongated piece of elastic material 72 and the front right side edge 66 for receiving the wearer's right breast. In other embodiments, the garment 20 may be configured without the elongated piece of elastic material 72 and the ruching effect may be omitted altogether.

In this embodiment, the first and second internal openings 26, 32 respectively are defined by left and right slits 78, 80 extending generally vertically near the front left and right side edges 60, 66 of the front panel 38. Because the front panel 38 is made of flexible fabric, the left and right slits 78, 80 are deformable and may be enlarged by the wearer using her finger, for instance. This configuration allows the wearer to access her breast through the slits 78, 80 to expose her nipple for nursing using either one of her hands, as will become apparent below.

Similarly to the front panel 38, the rear panel 40 of the inner support portion 22 includes an upper rear edge 82, a lower, generally straight rear edge 90 and rear left and right side edges 96, 102. More specifically, the upper rear edge 82 has left and right strap portions 84, 86 and a central edge portion 88 which extends between the left and right strap portions 84, 86. The central edge portion 88 of the upper rear edge 82 is also curved inwardly, but less so than the central edge portion 52 of the upper front edge 46, to allow the rear panel 40 to substantially cover the wearer's upper back. The lower rear edge 90 is disposed opposite the upper rear edge 82 and extends between opposed left and right ends 92, 94. The rear left side edge 96 extends between the left strap portion 84 of the upper rear edge 82 and the left end 92 of the lower rear edge 90, and has a first inwardly curved upper edge portion 100 partially defining the left arm opening and a gently curving lower edge portion 98. Similarly, the rear right side edge 102 extends between right strap portion 86 and the right end 94 of the lower rear edge 90 and also comprises inwardly curved upper and lower portions 104, 106.

When the inner support portion 22 is assembled, the left strap portion 48 of the front panel 38 is sewn to the left strap portion 84 of the rear panel 40 and the right strap portion 50 of the front panel 38 is sewn to the right strap portion 86 of the rear panel 40 to define, respectively, left and right straps adapted to rest on the wearer's shoulders. The lower portion 62 of the front left side edge 60 is further sewn to the lower portion 98 of the rear left side edge 96 and the lower portion 70 of the front right side edge 66 is sewn to the lower portion 106 of the rear right side edge 102. In this configuration, the upper portions 64, 100 of the front and rear left side edges 60, 96 define the rim of the left arm opening. Similarly, the upper portions 68, 104 of the front and rear right side edges 66, 102 define the rim of a right arm opening. The central edge portions 52, 88 of the front and rear upper edges 46, 82 also define the rim of a neck opening, while the lower front and rear edges 54, 90 define a hemline of the inner support portion 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, an annular elastic band 108 is further provided around the hemline of the inner support portion 22. The lower front and rear edges 54, 90 may be sewn in a hem configuration to create a peripheral conduit in which the annular elastic band 108 is inserted, or the annular elastic band 108 may directly be sewn to the lower front and rear edges 54, 90. It will be understood that when the inner support portion 22 is assembled, the wearer's breasts are supported from underneath by the annular elastic band 108 (as shown in FIG. 12) and are held in the left and right cup portions 74, 76 by the elongated piece of elastic material 72 urging the front upper edge 46 and the front lower edge 54 towards each other. This configuration therefore provides sufficient breast support and eliminates the need for the wearer to wear an additional support garment, such as nursing bra, under the nursing garment 20. It is also known that the size of the breasts may vary during breastfeeding. Because of the annular elastic band 108 and the elongated piece of elastic material 72, the inner support portion 22 may contract or expand to accommodate the change in the size of the wearer's breasts, which is greatly advantageous. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the support provided by the inner support portion 22 contributes to preventing movement of the breast and the nipple during breastfeeding, which is also desirable.

Now turning to FIGS. 7 and 8, the outer portion 24 will be described in greater detail. The front panel 42 of the outer portion 24 includes an upper front edge 110, a lower, generally straight front edge 118 and opposed front left and right side edges 124, 130. More specifically, the upper front edge 110 has generally straight left and right strap portions 112, 114 and a central edge portion 116 which extends between the left and right strap portions 112, 114 and curves inwardly to define the neckline of the outer garment 24. The lower front edge 118 is disposed opposite the upper front edge 110 and extends between opposed left and right ends 120, 122. The front left side edge 124 extends between the left strap portion 112 of the upper front edge 110 and the left end 120 of the lower front edge 118, and has a first inwardly curved upper left side edge portion 128 partially defining a left arm opening and a gently curving lower left side edge portion 126. Similarly, the front right side edge 130 extends between the right strap portion 114 and the right end 122 of the lower front edge 118 and also comprises inwardly curved upper and lower right side edge portions 132, 134.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front panel 42 comprises a central panel portion 136 having left and right inner side edges 138, 140 which are curved inwardly, and left and right panel portions 142, 144 connected, respectively, to the left and right inner side edges 138, 140 of the central panel portion 136. Specifically, the left inner side edge 138 slightly overlaps the left panel portion 142 and is sewn thereto along substantially its entire length, except along for a loose edge portion 146 which defines the second, or left, external opening 34 of the nursing garment 20. To open the left external opening 34, the loose edge portion 146 and the left panel portion 142 are moved apart by the wearer's fingers. Similarly, the right side edge 140 slightly overlaps the right panel portion 144 and is sewn thereto along substantially its entire length, except along for a loose edge portion 148 which defines the first, or right, external opening 28 of the nursing garment 20, which can be accessed in the same way as the left external opening 34.

Similarly to the front panel 42, the rear panel 44 of the outer portion 24 includes an upper rear edge 150, a lower, generally straight rear edge 158 and rear left and right side edges 164, 170. More specifically, the upper rear edge 150 has left and right strap portions 152, 154 and a central edge portion 156 which extends between the left and right strap portions 152, 154. The central edge portion 156 of the upper rear edge 150 is also curved inwardly, but less so than the central edge portion 116 of the upper front edge 110, to allow the rear panel 44 to substantially cover the wearer's upper back. The lower rear edge 158 is disposed opposite the upper rear edge 150 and extends between opposed left and right ends 160, 162. The rear left side edge 164 extends between the left strap portion 152 of the upper rear edge 150 and the left end 160 of the lower rear edge 158 and has a first inwardly curved upper edge portion 168 partially defining the left arm opening and a gently curving lower edge portion 166. Similarly, the rear right side edge 170 extends between the right strap portion 154 and the right end 162 of the lower rear edge 158, and also has inwardly curved upper and lower portions 172, 174.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front and rear panels 42, 44 of the outer portion 24 have substantially the same shape as the front and rear panels 38, 40 of the inner support portion 22, but are substantially longer. For instance, while the lower front and rear edges 54, 90 of the inner support portion 22 are located just below the wearer's breasts to allow the lower front edge 54 to support the breasts (as shown in FIG. 12), the lower front and rear edges 118, 158 of the outer portion 24 may instead extend down to or below the wearer's waist, in the fashion of a tank top. Alternatively, the lower front and rear edges 118, 158 of the outer portion 24 may extend down even further to define a dress configuration. The lower front and rear edges 118, 158 of the outer portion 24 may also extend downward in a narrowing manner ultimately joining one another along a narrow strip or margin between the wearer's legs to define a swimsuit configuration. Conversely, the outer portion 24 may instead have substantially the same length as the inner support portion 22 to provide the garment 20 with a bra-like configuration. It will be appreciated that the outer portion 24 may alternatively define other upper body garment configurations.

FIG. 9 shows the left and right curtain portions 36, 30 of the nursing garment 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right curtain portions 36, 30 are substantially similar with one being the mirror image of the other. The left curtain portion 36 includes a lower edge 176, an opposed upper edge 178, a left side edge 180 and a right side edge 182. The left side edge 180 has an inwardly curved upper portion 184 which has the same curvature as the upper left side edge portion 128 of the outer garment's front panel 42 and an inwardly curved lower portion 186 which has a shape similar to the left inner side edge 138 of the front panel's central panel portion 136 to allow it to be sewn thereto. The right side edge 182 also has two portions: a substantially vertical lower edge portion 188 and an upper edge portion 190 which has the same curvature as the central edge portion 116 of the outer garment's front panel 42.

Similarly to the left curtain portion 36, the right curtain portion 30 includes a lower edge 192, an opposed upper edge 194, a left side edge 196 and a right side edge 198. The right side edge 198 has an inwardly curved upper right side edge portion 200 which has the same curvature as the upper right side edge portion 132 of the outer portion's front panel 42 and an inwardly curved lower portion 202 which has a shape similar to the right inner side edge 140 of the front panel's central panel portion 136 to allow it to be sewn thereto, as will become apparent below. The left side edge 196 also has two portions: a substantially vertical lower left side edge portion 204 and an upper left side edge portion 206 which has the same curvature as the central edge portion 116 of the outer portion's front panel 42.

FIG. 10 shows the left and right curtain portions 36, 30 assembled with the front panel 42 of the outer portion 24. Since the left and right curtain portions 36, 30 are substantially similar, a description of the assembly of the right curtain portion 30 will suffice for the reader to appreciate the details of the nursing garment 20, as it will be understood that the same description also applies for the left curtain portion 36.

The right curtain portion 30 is positioned over the rear face of the front panel 42, near the front right side edge 130, such that the upper right side edge portion 200 of the right curtain portion 30 is aligned with the upper right side edge portion 132 of the front panel 42. The upper left side edge portion 206 of the right curtain portion 30 should thereby also be aligned with the central edge portion 116 of the front panel 42. In this position, the lower portion 202 of the right side edge 198 overlaps the right panel portion 144 of the front panel 42 and may be sewn thereto. The upper edge 194, the upper portion 206 of the left side edge 196 and the upper portion 200 of the right side edge 198 of the right curtain portion 30 may also be sewn to the front panel 42. Since the central panel portion 136 overlaps the right panel portion 144, as explained above, the right curtain portion 30 covers the right external opening 28 and forms a pocket which is open along the lower edge 192 and the vertical lower edge portion 204 of the right curtain portion 30, as well as along the left internal opening 28.

FIG. 11 shows the front panel 38 of the inner support portion 22 assembled with the front panel 42 of the outer portion 24. In one embodiment, the front panel 38 of the inner support portion 22 is assembled with the rear panel 40 of the inner support portion 22 as explained above prior to the inner support portion 22 being assembled with the front panel 42 of the outer portion 24. Alternatively, the front panel 38 of the inner support portion 22 may be assembled with the front panel 42 of the outer portion 24 prior to being assembled with the rear panel 40 of the inner support portion 22.

During assembly, the front panel 38 of the inner support portion 22 is placed over the front panel 42 of the outer portion 24 such that the edges of the front panel 38 are aligned with the edges of the front panel 42, except for the lower front edge 54 of the front panel 38. More specifically, the upper front edge 46 of the front panel 38 is aligned with the upper front edge 110 of the front panel 42 and is sewn together. The upper portions 64, 68 of the front left and right side edges 60, 66 are aligned with the upper left and right side edge portions 128, 132 of the front left and right side edges 124, 130 and are sewn together. The vertical lower portions 188, 204 of the left and right curtain portions 36, 30 remain loose to allow them to be pulled back by the wearer in order to move the curtain portions 36, 30 from the concealing position 33 to the revealing position 35.

To facilitate replacing the left and right curtain portions 36, 30 from the revealing position 35 back into the concealing position 33, the curtain portions 36, 30 may be attached at least partially to one of the inner support portion 22 and the outer portion 24, near or at their lower edges 176, 192. For instance, the left and right curtain portions 36, 30 may each be sewn to the front panel 38 of the inner support portion 22 by a seam which is located at a short distance above the lower edges 176, 192 and which extends generally parallel thereto, but only partway between the left and side edges 196, 198 of the left and right curtain portions 36, 30. This seam prevents the curtain portions 36, 30 from completely folding up in a flap-like fashion when their loose vertical lower portions 188, 204 are pulled in the lateral direction. Alternatively, the lower edges 176, 192 of the left and right curtain portions 36, 30 may be sewn along their entire length to the lower front edge 54 of the front panel 38.

By sewing the inner support portion 22 to the outer portion 24, the inner support portion 22 is therefore integrated in the nursing garment 20 and eliminates the need for the wearer to wear an additional support garment, such as a nursing bra, under the nursing garment 20. Alternatively, the inner support portion 22 and the outer portion 24 may be provided as two distinct articles of clothing, with the curtain portions 30, 36 being secured to only one of the inner support portion 22 and the outer portion 24.

As shown in FIG. 11, the left internal opening 32 is located between the vertical lower portion 188 of the left curtain portion 36 and the front left side edge 60 of the front panel 38. Similarly, the right internal opening 26 is located between the vertical lower portion 204 of the right curtain portion 30 and the front right side edge 66 of the undergarment's front panel 38. In order to access the left or right internal openings 32 or 26 through the corresponding external opening 34 or 28, the wearer must pull back the edge of the vertical lower portion 188 or 204 of the respective curtain portion 36 or 30, which will deform to allow communication between the external opening 34 or 28 and the internal opening 32 or 26.

Now turning to FIG. 12, the lower front edge 54 and the lower rear edge 90 of the inner support portion 22 remain loose from the outer portion 24 to allow the annular elastic band 108 to support the wearer's breasts without affecting the outside appearance of the outer garment 24.

The nursing garment 20 may further be provided with a pocket member (not shown) for receiving nursing pads. For instance, the pocket member may be defined in the front panel of the inner support portion 22, between the front panel of the inner support portion 22 and the front panel of the outer portion 24, to allow the nursing pads to be held between the inner support portion 22 and the outer portion 24. Alternatively, the pocket member may be provided in the front panel of the inner support portion 22, between the front panel of the inner support portion 22 and the wearer's breasts.

With reference to FIGS. 13 to 17, use of the nursing garment 20 will now be described in greater detail. The wearer first reaches for one of the left or right loose edge portions 146 or 148—the right loose edge portion 148 in the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 17—and pulls it away from the right panel portion 144 to enlarge the right external opening 28. In one embodiment, the wearer uses her opposite hand to do this. For instance, to enlarge the right external opening 28, the wearer uses her left hand. At this stage, the right curtain portion 30 is still in the concealing position 33, in which the right curtain portion 30 shrouds the right internal opening 26 and obstructs access thereto via the right external opening 28. The wearer then holds the right loose edge portion 148, for instance with her thumb, to maintain the right external opening 28 enlarged while reaching with her remaining fingers to pull the vertical lower edge portion 204 of the right curtain portion 30 towards the right side edge 198 of the right curtain portion 30. The right curtain portion is now in the revealing position 35, in which the vertical lower edge portion 204 is drawn back and the right internal opening 26 is exposed and accessible. Using her fingers, the wearer may enlarge the right internal opening 26 to expose the nipple 29 sufficiently to allow the child to latch thereon and nurse. Advantageously, that the nursing garment 20 allows the wearer to make one of her breasts accessible to her child relatively easily and quickly while requiring relatively little movement and coordination from the wearer, thereby minimizing socially awkward situations resulting from clumsy fumbling with nursing garments of the prior art as well as preventing frustration to the child resulting from a delay in exposing the nipple for breastfeeding.

It will further be appreciated that when the baby is nursing, the nipple is concealed by the baby's head while the rest of the breast is covered by the nursing garment 20. Therefore, during breastfeeding, the entire breast is advantageously hidden from public view. When the breastfeeding operation is over, the right curtain portion 30 may then simply be smoothed over, again with the wearer's fingers, to push back the vertical lower edge portion 204 of the right curtain portion 30 in its original position.

Moreover, the nursing garment 20 described herein eliminates the need for any fastener which may be visible through the outer portion and thereby deter from the appearance of the nursing garment 20. The nursing garment 20 further does not contain any metallic underwire member, to support the wearer's breasts, which may cause physical discomfort and interfere with the supply of milk to the nipples.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 17, the external opening 28 is located near the side edge 130 of the outer garment's front panel 42 such that when the garment 20 is worn, the external opening 28 is located near the outer side of the wearer's breast. This configuration advantageously allows the vertical lower edge portion 204 of the curtain portion 30 to be reached through the external opening 28 while keeping the external opening 28 relatively discreet. Alternatively, the external opening 28 may have a different configuration. For instance, the external opening may instead be located near the inner side of the wearer's breast, i.e. between the breasts. In yet another embodiment, the external opening 28 may extend horizontally and be located above or below the wearer's breasts, or may even be oriented differently. For instance the external opening could extend on a slant (or diagonally). In all those embodiments, the curtain portions would be configured accordingly such that the loose edge of the curtain portion is located away from the external opening to allow the wearer to pull on the loose edge portion to access the internal opening.

It will be appreciated that the curtain portion 30 is secured to the nursing garment 20 such that the vertical lower edge portion 204 of the curtain portion 30 is located away from the external opening 28. This configuration prevents the nipple from being visible through the external opening 28 should the nipple accidentally poke through the internal opening 26.

While in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, the first and second curtain portions are provided as two distinct panels, this need not be the case in every application. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second curtain portions could instead be provided as a single shrouding portion extending between the left and right inner side edges of the central panel portion. In such an embodiment, the left and right vertical lower edge portions would be replaced by left and right intermediate openings or slits defined in the shrouding portion. The left and right intermediate openings are respectively positioned proximal to the first and second internal openings and proximal to the first and second external openings to allow the wearer to reach the first and second openings by inserting her finger through a corresponding one of the first and second external openings.

Additional modifications are possible. For instance, while the nursing garment 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 takes the form of a tank top (i.e. a sleeveless top). It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the nursing garment could take a different form. Applying the principles of the present invention the nursing garment could be configured into a tank top (FIG. 19), a camisole, a dress (FIG. 18), a sweater, a jacket, a vest, a coat, a tunic, a shirt, a t-shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, a ¾ sleeve shirt, a sleeveless shirt, a sweatshirt, a strapless shirt, a brassiere, a bodysuit, a jumpsuit, a swimsuit or any similar garment.

Although the above description relates to a specific preferred embodiment as presently contemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that the invention in its broad aspect includes mechanical and functional equivalents of the elements described herein. 

1. A nursing garment comprising: a rear portion for placing against a wearer's back; and a front portion joined to the rear portion, the front portion including: an inner layer positionable against the wearer's breasts, the inner layer having a first breast supporting portion defined therein and a first slit formed in the first breast supporting position located proximal to the nipple of one of the wearer's breasts for providing access thereto; an outer layer superimposed on the inner layer, the outer layer having a first opening defined therein, the first slit and the first opening being alignable with each other to allow the nipple to be exposed; and a first curtain member disposed between the inner and outer layers of the front portion, the first curtain member being accessible through the first opening defined in the outer layer and being moveable between a concealing position and a revealing position; when in the concealing position, the first curtain member shrouds the first slit and obstructs access thereto via the first opening; when in the revealing position, the first curtain member is drawn out of the way of the first slit and the first opening thereby allowing communication between the first slit and the first opening and permitting the nipple to be exposed for nursing.
 2. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first curtain member having a plurality of edges, at least one of the plurality of edges being secured to one of the inner and outer layers and at least another one of the plurality of edges being loose.
 3. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first curtain member has opposed first and second edges, the first edge being secured to the outer layer adjacent the second opening defined therein and the second edge being loose.
 4. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first curtain member further has opposed third and fourth edges adjacent the second edge, the third and fourth edges being secured to one of the inner layer and the outer layer.
 5. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 3, wherein the inner layer defines a second breast supporting portion.
 6. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first slit has an orientation selected from the group consisting of: (a) a horizontal orientation; (b) a vertical orientation; and (c) a slanted orientation.
 7. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second opening is a second slit disposed above the first breast supporting portion.
 8. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 5 wherein the first opening is a second slit disposed below the first breast supporting portion.
 9. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second opening is a second slit disposed medial to the first breast supporting portion.
 10. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second opening is a second slit disposed lateral to the first breast supporting portion.
 11. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first opening is a second slit having an orientation selected from the group consisting of: (a) a horizontal orientation; (b) a vertical orientation; and (c) a slanted orientation.
 12. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner layer has an annular elastic band secured to the inner layer along a lower edge thereof to support the wearer's breast.
 13. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inner layer has an upper edge, a lower edge and an elongated piece of elastic material extending therebetween, the elongated piece of elastic material deforming the inner layer to divide the inner layer of the front portion between the first breast supporting portion and the second breast supporting portion.
 14. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the inner layer has a second breast supporting portion and a slit formed in the second breast supporting portion located proximal to the nipple of the other one of the wearer's breasts for providing access thereto; the outer layer has a second opening defined therein, the second slit and the second openings being alignable with each other to allow the nipple of the other one of the wearer's breasts to be exposed; and the front portion further includes a second curtain member disposed between the inner and outer layers of the front portion, the second curtain member being accessible through the second opening defined in the outer layer and being moveable between a concealing position and a revealing position; when in the concealing position, the second curtain member shrouds the second slit and obstructs access thereto via the second opening; when in the revealing position, the second curtain member is drawn out of the way of the second slit and the second opening thereby allowing communication between the second slit and the second opening and permitting the nipple of the other one of the wearer's breasts to be exposed for nursing.
 15. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second slit has an orientation selected from the group consisting of: (a) a horizontal orientation; (b) a vertical orientation; and (c) a slanted orientation.
 16. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second opening is a third slit disposed above the second breast supporting portion.
 17. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second opening is a third slit disposed below the second breast supporting portion.
 18. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second opening is a third slit disposed medial to the second breast supporting portion.
 19. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second opening is a third slit disposed lateral to the second breast supporting portion.
 20. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second opening is a third slit having an orientation selected from the group consisting of: (a) a horizontal orientation; (b) a vertical oreintation; and (c) a slanted orientation.
 21. The nursing garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nursing garment is configured into an upper body garment selected from a group consisting of: (a) a tank top, (b) a camisole, (c) a dress, (d) a sweater, (e) a jacket, (f) a vest, (g) a coat, (h) a tunic, (i) a shirt, (j) a t-shirt, (k) a long-sleeved shirt, (l) a ¾ sleeve shirt, (m) a sleeveless shirt, (n) a sweatshirt, (o) a strapless shirt, (p) a brassiere, (q) a bodysuit, (r) a jumpsuit, and (s) a swimsuit. 